X (Twitter) Scams
Scams that spread through X — from crypto giveaways to impersonation.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
X (formerly Twitter) is a fast-moving public platform where scammers exploit trending topics, celebrity names, and verified-looking accounts to spread fraudulent schemes quickly. Crypto giveaway scams that impersonate well-known figures, fake customer-support accounts, and phishing links embedded in replies are among the most common types.
The platform's reply and quote-tweet mechanics allow scam content to be amplified rapidly, and paid verification means a checkmark no longer guarantees an account is who it claims to be. Users seeking customer support through X are particularly vulnerable to impersonation by fake support accounts that appear in search results or replies.
This guide covers the most reported scam types on X, what signals should raise concern, and how to report fraud.
Common scams on X (Twitter)
Crypto giveaway and doubling scams
Posts impersonating celebrities or tech figures promise to double any cryptocurrency sent to an address.
Fake customer support accounts
Scammers reply to users tweeting at a bank or service, posing as support to harvest login credentials or one-time codes.
Investment scheme promotions
Paid or organic posts promote trading platforms or tokens that turn out to be fraudulent.
Phishing links in replies and DMs
Users are directed to lookalike websites to steal account credentials or crypto wallet keys.
Common red flags
- Any post promising to send back more cryptocurrency than you send in
- An account impersonating a brand that replies to your support tweet before the real account does
- DMs from accounts offering investment opportunities or prizes
- Verified-looking accounts with a recent creation date or low tweet history
- Links in replies that lead to login or wallet connection pages
- Pressure to act before a 'limited' offer closes
How to protect yourself
- Enable two-factor authentication on your X account
- Contact customer support through a company's official website — not through X
- Never send cryptocurrency in response to a 'giveaway' — legitimate giveaways never ask you to send funds first
- Check an account's join date and tweet history before trusting it
- Be cautious about clicking links in replies, especially to financial topics
How to report it
- Use the three-dot menu on any post or profile to report it to X
- Report phishing to X's safety team via their Help Centre
- If you lost money, report to your national fraud authority and your bank or crypto exchange
Frequently asked questions
Does a blue checkmark on X mean an account is trustworthy?
No. Paid verification on X means the account holder has subscribed to a paid tier — not that their identity has been verified. Always check the account's history and cross-reference with official sources.
A verified-looking account is posing as my bank's support — what should I do?
Do not engage with it. Report the account to X using the three-dot menu. Contact your bank directly through its official website or the number on the back of your card.
Are crypto giveaways on X ever real?
Legitimate cryptocurrency giveaways do not ask you to send funds first. Any 'send X, receive 2X back' offer is a scam, regardless of how convincing the account looks.